MEAD, Wash. – A man is in jail after threatening to shoot a victim, attempting to hit them with his car and psychically assaulting them.
Just before noon on Nov. 13, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a fight call near Newport Highway and Deer Park-Milan Road. The caller told police the suspect was threatening to shoot him and tried hitting him with a car before fleeing.
SCSO saw the suspect’s black Jeep Gladiator driving south on Newport Highway at Chattaroy Road. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on 56-year-old Michael F. Cronin, who refused to follow commands and drove off.
A second deputy arrived to assist, activating emergency lights and a siren, but Cronin still refused to stop. Near East Day Mt. Spokane Road, Cronin pulled onto the shoulder of the highway with additional deputies and Washington State Patrol Troopers arriving to assist. All southbound lanes closed for safety.
Deputies used spike strips to keep the Cronin from taking off again as he continued refusing to comply with verbal commands from law enforcement. Crisis negotiators were called to the scene but were also unsuccessful.
Cronin finally exited his vehicle but remained uncooperative and would not follow further commands, saying he could ‘sit there all day,’ and got back into his jeep.
After about 30 to 40 minutes, ‘chemical agents’ were used in another attempt to get Cronin out of the vehicle, but he still refused to exit.
After more time passed, Cronin finally rolled down his window enough to stick his head out, and police took him into custody. Cronin was provided medical treatment on scene and transported to the hospital due to the chemicals used and previous health issues.
Cronin was booked on charges of second-degree harassment- threats to kill, second-degree assault, fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest.
This incident remains an active investigation and a search warrant for Cronin’s Jeep is pending. Additional charges are possible depending on the outcome of the investigation and possible search.
